One Thousand Gifts (Continued)

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphan sand widows in their distress..." 

(James 1:27)

I just came home from a "Foster Information Evening" hosted at our church.  I am so thankful for those who are willing to open their hearts and homes to children who do not have a home.  What resonated the most with me tonight was the comment that when you foster a child, you have the opportunity to pray with them!  What a blessing to be able to teach a child who otherwise would maybe not get the opportunity to learn about Christ!

Continuing to give thanks...
#3512-#3532
-the number of people who came to learn more about fostering
-those who foster children and provide homes for children who do not have one
-those who work within our childcare system
-Christian organizations dedicated to James 1:27 (Nairn Family Homes) http://www.nairnfamilyhomes.com
-our pastor and his wife's passion and desire to live out James 1:27
-awesome friends who are always willing to lend a helping hand
-an inspiring conference this past Saturday
-meeting up with old friends
-encouraging words from others
-the beginning of the spring rush

-Battle of the Books competition and the gift of literacy

-activities, like gymnastics, coming to an end

-a happy gymnast

-flexibility

-bubble fun

-catching bubbles

-the opportunity to be part of the Prayer Pals for GEMS

-fun, special dress up days
-celebrating Christian Education Week

-a surprise award, "Green Star Award for Outstanding Junior Cadet"
-a very proud moment for us as parents!

One Thousand Gifts (Continued)

"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!" 

(1John 3:1).

When I am being plagued with regret...
when I feel I don't measure up...
when defeat is all around me...
I can be assured by God's Holy Word, that those are lies and that I have been set free by my loving, heavenly Father.  I give thanks that He loves me so much that He calls me His child!

Hello, My Name Is... 
By:  Matthew West

Verse 1: Hello, my name is regret
I'm pretty sure we have met
Every single day of your life I'm the whisper inside
That won't let you forget

Hello, my name is defeat
I know you recognize me
Just when you think you can win I'll drag you right back down again
'Til you've lost all belief
 These are the voices, these are the lies
And I have believed them, for the very last time

Chorus: Hello, my name is child of the one true King
I've been saved, I've been changed, and I have been set free
"Amazing Grace" is the song I sing
Hello, my name is child of the one true King

Verse 2: I am no longer defined
By all the wreckage behind [ From: http://www.metrolyrics.com/hello-my-name-is-lyrics-matthew-west.html ]
The one who makes all things new
Has proven it's true
Just take a look at my life

 Chorus: Hello, my name is child of the one true King
I've been saved, I've been changed, and I have been set free
"Amazing Grace" is the song I sing
Hello, my name is child of the one true King

 Bridge: What love the Father has lavished upon us
That we should be called His children
I am a child of the one true King
What love the Father has lavished upon us
That we should be called His children

 Chorus: Hello, my name is child of the one true King
I've been saved, I've been changed, and I have been set free
"Amazing Grace" is the song I sing
Hello, my name is child of the one true King
I am a child of the one true King

Continuing to give thanks...
#3491-#3511

-that God loves us so much that we should be called His children
-being set free from the devil's lies
-receiving another letter from one of our sponsor children (Compassion)
-fellowship while dining with wonderful, Christian teachers
-fellowship with a great group of ladies from my volleyball team
-having fun, even while losing in the finals
-Deborah's loving, compassionate, dedicated teachers at Story Hour

-crusty noses

-having fun with her at the park today

-watching her jump and jump on the trampoline

-how she loves to spend time with Beppe

-her stuffed animal buckled beside her in the grocery kart

-a needed rest

-how they're buddies (most of the time)

-sharing his iPod

-her love for baking (especially if she can reap the benefits)

-the beautiful display of God's power

-school closures because of "ice day"/power outages

-safety from the storm

-only a short period of time without power

-my view from my kitchen showing God's amazing creation

One Thousand Gifts (Continued)

"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him" (James 1:5).  

I remember the day that he was born.  We were super excited, yet very nervous.  We were entering into  a land unknown:  parenting.  We both had very little experience with babies and children.  Yet, we trusted God to help us raise our little ones in His name.  Now, we are entering another land unknown:  teenage years.  Our precious, thoughtful, helpful, fun, athletic, considerate, (etc. etc.) son has turned 13!  He has been such a blessing in our lives!  He's a great big brother (most of the time), and a wonderful son!  We give thanks to God for entrusting Jesse into our care for 13 years and we continue to seek His  guidance and wisdom as we continue on our journey that we have been so blessed with called: parenting!

Continuing to give thanks:  

#3477-#3490

-prayer walk with my Sunday School class

-the blessing of our teenager!  

-his kind, tender heart

-his diligence when doing homework

-a successful Science project (being chosen to go the Science Fair, but politely declining)

-Nicole's great idea to fly a kite
-perfect kite flying weather

-how she eagerly agreed to groom the cat

-the fun he had at junior cadet- a- rama

-his creativity (never ceases to amaze me)!
-his love for words
-his love for drawing
-Deborah's fun play date
-how they laugh and giggle together

One Thousand Gifts (Continued)

When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!” (Matthew 27:54 ESV)

There are various things and times in my life that have caused me to be in AWE.  It is my prayer, however that I can truly proclaim that I am in awe of the cross.  Christ conquered death; He took my sin and shame; He suffered in my place and He experienced death and hell so that I could have eternal life. His death was not accidental.  It was planned and purposeful.  Through Him, I have the gift of salvation and I am FREE!  That is certainly something to be in AWE of!

Continuing to give thanks...

#3454-#3476

For the many things that I am in awe of...

-the cross!

-that He would die for me

-the gift of grace and salvation

-God's love for us

-the beautiful landscape of Alaska
-being on a cruise with the GAITHERS!!!

-the miracle of birth
-the birth of our firstborn

-the birth of our baby girl

-the birth of our second son

-meeting our precious daughter for the first time
-the unexpected chapters God is writing

-bringing Selah to Redeemer University and hearing them perform LIVE
-spending time with Selah and enjoying their fantastic music

-marrying my best friend
-God's hand in our marriage

-the fingerprints of God
-all of creation
-how we are all unique yet created in His image
-church community and love
-the testimony of our friend who did profession of faith yesterday
-how he gives God ALL the credit for the changes in his life
-how God is able to redeem all of our brokenness and messes